Looking all Around: Honeybees use Different Cues in Different Eye Regions

Based on results of early as well as recent behavioural studies, the present review compares the performance of different eye regions in exploiting information on shape, colour and motion, relevant to the honeybee's foraging task. The comparisons reveal similarities, as well as differences, among the performances of various eye regions, depending on the visual parameter involved in the task under consideration. The outcome of the comparisons is discussed in the light of anatomical and optical regional specializations found in the bee's peripheral visual pathway, as well as in the light of the foraging bee's natural habits. It is concluded that the functional differences found among different eye regions are based on neural mechanisms subserving the bee's natural needs, rather than on peripheral specializations.